M 15 M15
User Manual: M-15
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Easy To Use...
The Advanced
Features You
Need!
Easy To Use...
The Advanced
Features You
Need!
CENTROIDTM M-15 CNC Control
For Mills
®
3 Axis
CNC
Controls
3 Axis
CNC
Controls
Graphical G-code Editing
Program lines and arcs graphically. The easy fill-in-the-blank format generates industry
standard G-code programs automatically. Lines, arcs, bolt hole circles, and pockets can
be programmed directly from the dimensions on your blueprint.
View Your Part...Fast! With 2 & 3D Graphics
Centroid graphics virtually eliminate programming errors. A single touch of a button
shows you graphics as you work, even for partially completed programs. Compare
your work to the blueprint and get back to your program quickly. For an even better
look, zoom and pan your part, or change to 3D to get an isometric view.
Canned Cycles
Canned cycles make everyday jobs a snap. Choose bolt hole patterns, rectangular
or circular pockets and frames, or facing. Use Repeat to duplicate whole parts,
make a matrix of holes, or repeat a contour to depth. Mirror, rotate, and scale
your part.
No Print? No Problem! Use the Teach Feature
With Teach, use an edge finder or the tool itself to “Teach” your way around
an existing part. Let the M-15 record the locations of lines and arcs into your
program automatically. You can then cut the part like any other program.
Math Help
Centroid’s Geometry Solver helps you find those unknown intersections and tangent
points that draftsmen often leave off blueprints. Just fill in the known information
from the blueprint. Geometry Solver gives you the solution for the unknown points
and automatically inserts the answer.
Fast Setup, Even for 3 Axis Parts
Centroid’s M-15 increases your production, while making setup as simple as most 2-
axis controls. The Z-axis setup is fast and easy. On-screen “How-to” pictures and
menu driven selections make it one of the easiest milling controls to set up and
operate.
So Easy,
You’ll Cut
Parts The
First Day. . .
With Centroid’s easy-to-learn
Graphical G-code Editing,
simple setup, and full
featured 3D graphics, you’ll
have everything you need
to be productive the first
day.
sFast & Easy Set-Up
User Friendly
Controls
Optional Color
LCD Screen
Tool Path
Graphics
Hard
Drive
Program
Storage
Floppy
Disk
Drive &
RS-232
CAD/CAM Ready Sealed Keypads
and Keyboard Ready -
End user needs to supply standard keyboard
PC Based,
Upgradeable &
Expandable
Electronic
Handwheel
Option
Dedicated
Jog Buttons
3 or 4 Axis
Feedrate
Override
3 Axis
Digitizing*
Copy contoured 3D surfaces found on freeform or artistic parts. Duplicate surfaces auto-
matically using Digitizing and your existing machine; an extra computer is not needed. Cut
an exact 1:1 duplicate without program modifications, or export the surface data for editing
with your off-line CAD/CAM system.
Probing Cycles*
Let Centroid’s Probing cycles save your shop countless hours of setup time. Whether it’s
establishing fixture offsets, measuring tool heights, or finding part edges; Probing does it for
you. Use any one of the six handy automatic cycles to find part centers and corners of
pockets, bosses, and slots.
CAD/CAM and Engraving
Import DXF (CAD drawings) and lay down toolpaths at the control. *Mastercam v3.21
Level 1, standard on all color models. Use for pocketing, island avoidance, and contouring,
includes automatic finish pass, radius on and off, depth repeat, mirror, scale, and copy. For
3D shapes, upgrade to Mastercam Level 2 fpr Swept, Rule, and Revolved surfaces. Engrave
letters, numbers, and symbols with Centroid Engraving; write on an arc or angle, quick and
simple to use, has 20 built-in fonts.
Work Coordinate Systems*, Subprograms and Macros*
Cut the same part programs in multiple vises or fixtures with Multiple Work Coordinate
Systems (WCS). For those who prefer advanced G-code features, the M-15 also supports
subprograms and macros.
Retrofits and Special Applications
Centroid CNC controls fit a wide variety of applications. Revitalizing old NC/CNC machines
with a new M-15 is a profitable alternative that many shops are choosing. Centroid’s fully
prepared kit includes console, servo amplifier, motors, 110 volt operation, and support arm
— all pre-wired and ready to bolt on. There’s nothing else to buy. Centroid’s product
support, ease of use, and superior design assures success.
*Optional Equipment
Centroid’s M-15 gives you
advanced features needed
to tackle jobs other
controls can’t. High Speed
Continuous Contouring
combined with Unlimited
Part Program Size*,
Multiple Work Coordinate
Systems*, Digitizing*,
Probing* and Engraving*
give you the ability to
program and cut unusual
or complex 3D parts. And
since all Centroid controls
are PC based, your M-15
can grow to meet all your
future needs
.
So Advanced,
You’ll Cut
Parts The
Competition
Can’t
Supports Multiple Vises
s
Optional
Automatic
Tool
Measurement
High Speed
Contouring
The M-15 is
perfect for cutting
detailed, complex
CAD/CAM or
Engraving
programs at high
speeds! Even the
largest files can
be run without
hesitation, thanks
to the Unlimited
Part Program
Size* feature. A
high-speed
throughput block
rate, combined
with 2000 block
accel/decel
lookahead, the
M-15 cuts at 100
in./min. while
holding tight
tolerances. Many
controls make
that claim, but
few can actually do it.
s
Digitizing & Probing
Create & Manipulate
Full M-Function Control
M-functions are programmable for special considerations.
The following is a list of the predefined M-codes supplied
with the M-15 control.
M00 Stop
M01 Optional stop
M02 Home, restart
M25 Z to home
M26 Set home
M93 Release power
Tool Functions, Tool Compensation
• Tool function T0 - T200
• Tool offset 200 pairs ± 6 digits
• Tool length compensation [G43&44]
• Tool length compensation cancel [G49]
• Tool radius compensation [G41&42]
• Tool radius compensation cancel [G40]
Part Program Storage and Editing
• Program storage = available hard drive space
• Full screen unlimited file size text editor
• Read / write to floppy disk
• Built-in hard drive
• Save programs off-line via comport / RS232 or
LAN connection
Feed Function
• Rapid traverse
• Rapid traverse override (variable via feedrate pot)
• Rapid traverse automatic accel / decel
• Feedrate override 2% to 200% variable
Display
• VGA LCD Display
• Current position display (DRO)
• Status display
• Program display
• Run time & parts counter
• Directory load function
• Self diagnostics
• Real time alarm message display
• English language (Spanish optional)
Data Input/Output and Communications
• 1.44 MB floppy disk drive, DOS-compatible
• RS-232
• PC LAN compatible
Utilities
• Format floppy command
• Backup data & system files (menu driven)
• Restore data & system files (menu driven)
• PLC and system diagnostics
• Import/export program
Physical Characteristics
• 9” x 17” x 13” Control Console
• Electrical enclosure weight: 50 lbs.
• Console weight: 29 lbs.
M-15
Options
•Graphical G-code Editing
•Engraving
•Digitizing: grid and radial,
with mult. patches
•Probing cycles: boss,
bore, web, pocket
• Tapping cycles*
•Work coordinate systems
[G28-30 and G52-59]
•Subprograms [M98] and
Macros [M65]
•Mirror and Scaling
[G50&51]
•MPG handwheel
•Mastercam® level 2*
•PC Keyboard Tray
•Ball screw compensation
M102 Program restart
M103 Start timer
M104 Cancel timer
M108 Enable feed & spindle override
M109 Disable feed & spindle override
*Limited time offer. Required Color Display
Control Computer Features
• 32 bit PC Based DSP technology
• Updateable software
• High-speed block process speed
• Internal hard drive
• Digital servo drives and motors
• Alphanumeric keyboard (splash-proof)
• VGA LCD display
• RS-232, mouse, & parallel ports
• Mastercam v.3.21, Level 1*
Axis Control
• High-speed 3D contouring
• 3-axis simultaneous control
• 640kb standard program size (unlimited part
program size optional
• CAD/CAM ready
• Least input increment of .0001” (.001mm)
• Emergency stop
• Hold tolerances even on high-speed moves
• Backlash compensation
• Lead screw compensation
Operation
• Icon and Soft Key-based operating system
• MDI
• Run mode
• Single block mode
• Manual feed mode (jog) incremental or
continuous feed
• Manual pulse generator (MPG optional, 2
types)
• Sequence and N number search
• Program restart with Smart search
Interpolation
• Positioning [G0]
• Linear interpolation (3 or 4-axis
simultaneously) [G1]
• Circular interpolation (any plane) [G2&3]
• Helical interpolation (any plane) [G2&3]
• Dwell [G4]
Programming
• Conversational
• Mastercam® Version 3.21 Level 1*
• EIA FANUC™ style G-codes
• 3D toolpath graphics (G-code backplot)
• Program number = DOS legal file name
• Sequence number N with 9 digits
• Absolute / Incremental programming [G90&91]
• Inch /metric conversion [G20&21]
• Circular interpolation planes [G17-19]
• Coordinate system setting [G92]
• Specifying the radius of an arc (R value)
• Data setting [G10]
• Canned drilling cycles [G73,80,81,82,83,85,89]
• Work coordinate system options:
[G28] Reference Point Return
[G29] Return from Reference Point
[G30] 2nd Reference Point Return
[G52] Local Coordinate System
[G53] Machine Coordinate System
Graphical G-code Editing
• Full 3D graphics (isometric and tri-planar)
• Pocket cycles (circular and rectangular)
• Frame mill cycle (circular and rectangular)
• Ramped plunges on canned cycles
• Position, line, arc events
• Automatic corner radius
• Subroutines for copy, repeat, rotate, mirror; with nesting
• Drilling cycles
• Tapping cycles
• Bolt hole circles
• Boring cycles
• Automatic angle calculator
• Graphical Math Help for solving angles, intersections, tangents; with
paste to event
• Linear and polar values on same event
• Run time estimate
Specifications subject to change without notice.
©May 10, 2000 Centroid Corp.
CENTROID™
159 Gates Rd.
Howard, PA 16841
(814) 353-9256 Sales
(814) 353-9265 Fax
www.centroidcnc.com
®
Distributor:
